U.S. patent application number 14/704612 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for children's storage solution.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lucky Cat Inc. LLC. Invention is credited to Kelly Gardner, Phoebe Gardner, Sebastian Gardner, Emily Smith.
Application Number | 20150321795 14/704612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54367164 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150321795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardner; Kelly ; et
al. |
November 12, 2015 |
Children's Storage Solution
Abstract
A storage solution for children's toys is described. A storage
and transportation device for children's items (e.g., toys,
puzzles, craft supplies, etc.) is specially designed to be used by
children, including children under three years old. The storage
solution may also include an improved zipper pull for opening and
closing the storage and transportation device.
Inventors: |
Gardner; Kelly; (Arlington,
VA) ; Smith; Emily; (Pasadena, CA) ; Gardner;
Sebastian; (Arlington, VA) ; Gardner; Phoebe;
(Arlington, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lucky Cat Inc. LLC |
Arlington |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54367164 |
Appl. No.: |
14/704612 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61990654 |
May 8, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/28 20130101;
A63H 33/00 20130101; B65D 33/06 20130101; B65D 33/04 20130101; B65D
77/006 20130101; A45C 2003/002 20130101; B65D 29/04 20130101; A45C
13/103 20130101; A45C 3/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/28 20060101
B65D025/28; A63H 33/00 20060101 A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A storage device comprising: a top portion, a bottom portion, a
left portion, a right portion, a front portion and a rear portion;
a front-left edge securing the front portion with the left portion;
a front-right edge securing the front portion with the right
portion; a rear-left edge securing the rear portion with the left
portion a rear right edge securing the rear portion with the right
portion a top-left edge securing the top portion with the left
portion; a top-right edge securing the top portion with the right
portion; a top-front edge securing the top portion with the front
portion; a top-rear edge securing the top portion with the rear
portion; a bottom-left edge securing the bottom portion with the
left portion; a bottom-right edge securing the bottom portion with
the right portion; a bottom-front edge securing the bottom portion
with the front portion; a bottom-rear edge securing the bottom
portion with the rear portion; a connecting system running from the
top-left edge to the top-right edge substantially bisecting the top
portion into a first half top portion and a second half top
portion; a first handle secured at the rear-left edge and secured
at the front-left edge; a second handle secured at the front-left
edge and secured at the front-right edge wherein each of the top
portion, the left portion, the right portion, the front portion and
the rear portion comprises mesh fabric; wherein each of the
front-left edge, the front-right edge, the rear-left edge, the
rear-right edge, the top-left edge, the top-right edge, the
top-front edge, the top-rear edge, the bottom-left edge, the
bottom-right edge, the bottom-front edge and the bottom-rear edge
comprises stiff cording that allows the storage device to
substantially maintain its shape when the storage device is
empty.
2. The storage device as in claim 1, wherein the mesh fabric is
woven such that it is partially transparent.
3. The storage device as in claim 1, wherein the stiff cording
comprises materials other than wire.
4. The storage device as in claim 1, wherein the second handle is
substantially longer than the first handle.
5. The storage device as in claim 4, wherein the first handle is
substantially flush with the left portion and second handle is
substantially flush with the front portion.
6. The storage device as in claim 1, wherein the connecting system
comprises a zipper slider running from the top left edge to the top
right edge substantially bisecting the top portion and a zipper
pull, wherein when the zipper pull is pulled through the zipper
slider, the first half top portion and the second half top portion
disconnect and allow access to the interior of the storage
device.
7. The storage device as in claim 6, further comprising a first tab
secured to the top-left edge and a second tab secured to the
top-right edge.
8. The storage device as in claim 1, wherein the mesh fabric, the
stiff cording the first handle, the second handle and the
connecting system all comprise materials safe for use by
children.
9. A mechanism comprising: a substantially flat elliptical body
having a front side and a rear side and having a circumference
section and a center section; wherein the circumference section
comprises a circumferential groove on the front side, a
circumferential groove on the rear side, and a first hole through a
portion of the circumference section; wherein the center section
comprises a gripping mechanism and a second hole through a
substantial portion of the center section; wherein the gripping
mechanism comprises at least one ridge on the front side and at
least one ridge on the rear side.
10. The mechanism as in claim 9, further comprising an external
zipper pull mechanically engaged with the first hole.
11. The mechanism as in claim 9, wherein the substantially flat
elliptical body comprises materials that are safe for use by
children.
12. A storage device comprising: a top portion, a bottom portion, a
left portion, a right portion, a front portion and a rear portion;
a front-left edge securing the front portion with the left portion;
a front-right edge securing the front portion with the right
portion; a rear-left edge securing the rear portion with the left
portion a rear right edge securing the rear portion with the right
portion a top-left edge securing the top portion with the left
portion; a top-right edge securing the top portion with the right
portion; a top-front edge securing the top portion with the front
portion; a top-rear edge securing the top portion with the rear
portion; a bottom-left edge securing the bottom portion with the
left portion; a bottom-right edge securing the bottom portion with
the right portion; a bottom-front edge securing the bottom portion
with the front portion; a bottom-rear edge securing the bottom
portion with the rear portion; a substantially flat elliptical body
having a front side and a rear side and having a circumference
section and a center section, wherein the circumference section
comprises a circumferential groove on the front side, a
circumferential groove on the rear side and a first hole through a
portion of the circumference section, wherein the center section
comprises a gripping mechanism and a second hole through a
substantial portion of the center section, and wherein the gripping
mechanism comprises at least one ridge on the front side and at
least one ridge on the rear side; a zipper slider running from the
top left edge to the top right edge substantially bisecting the top
portion and a zipper pull, wherein when the zipper pull is pulled
through the zipper slider, the top portion bisects and allows
access to the interior of the storage device, wherein the zipper
pull is mechanically engaged with the first hole; a first handle
secured at the rear-left edge and secured at the front-left edge; a
second handle secured at the front-left edge and secured at the
front-right edge wherein each of the top portion, the left portion,
the right portion, the front portion and the rear portion comprises
mesh fabric; wherein each of the front-left edge, the front-right
edge, the rear-left edge, the rear-right edge, the top-left edge,
the top-right edge, the top-front edge, the top-rear edge, the
bottom-left edge, the bottom-right edge, the bottom-front edge and
the bottom-rear edge comprises stiff cording that allows the
storage device to substantially maintain its shape when the storage
device is empty.
13. The storage device as in claim 12, wherein the mesh fabric is
woven such that it is partially transparent.
14. The storage device as in claim 12, wherein the stiff cording
comprises materials other than wire.
15. The storage device as in claim 12, wherein the second handle is
substantially longer than the first handle.
16. The storage device as in claim 15, wherein the first handle is
substantially flush with the left portion and second handle is
substantially flush with the front portion.
17. The storage device as in claim 12, further comprising a first
tab secured to the top-left edge and a second tab secured to the
top-right edge.
18. The storage device as in claim 12, wherein the mesh fabric, the
stiff cording the first handle, the second handle, the
substantially flat elliptical body, the zipper pull and the zipper
slider are all comprised of materials safe for use by children.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/990,654 filed on May 8, 2014.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to storage
solutions for children's toys. In particular, the disclosure
relates to a storage and transportation device for children's items
(e.g., toys, puzzles, craft supplies, etc.) that is specially
designed to be used by children, including children under three
years old. The storage solution may also include an improved zipper
pull for opening and closing the storage and transportation
device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] At present, there are limited options for products for the
storage and transportation of children's items that have been
specifically designed for use by children, including children under
three years old.
[0004] The current offerings for storage of children's items may be
categorized as "baskets", "boxes", "bins" and "drawers." (For
illustrative examples, see:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/kids/storage/baskets-boxes-buckets/,
http://www.landofnod.com/nursery-storage/kids-storage-and-shelving/,
http://www.thecompanystore.com/kids-furniture/storage-orgainization,
and http://www.containerstore.com/shop/toyStorage) (all websites
referenced herein are as of Apr. 30, 2015).
[0005] The current offerings for the transportation of children's
items that have been specifically designed for use by children are
largely scaled-down tote bags, backpacks and suitcases. (For
illustrative examples, see:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/backpacks-luggage/?cm_type=lnav,
http://www.landofnod.com/backpacks-and-totes/storage/l and
http://www.thecompanystore.com/ck-totes-bags
[0006] Plastic storage bags, such as disposable Ziploc bags or
zippered storage bags that are not designed to be thrown away
(e.g.,
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/storageBags?productId=11001275-
&N=71237), come in a variety of sizes and are an obvious and
easy solution for storing and transporting items, in particular
items having multiple parts or pieces. However, such storage bags
are neither intended for, nor suitable for, use by children.
[0007] Baskets, boxes, bins and drawers do not generally pose a
suffocation risk; however, they are usually cumbersome and often
heavy, making them difficult for children to lift and carry.
Additionally, with the exception of some designs that may include a
cover or lid, baskets, boxes, bins and drawers are completely open
on the top and are therefore not easily portable. Overall, baskets,
boxes, bins and drawers do not incorporate any specific design
features that make them particularly useable by children.
[0008] Tote bags, backpacks and suitcases may not pose a
suffocation risk, and certain tote bags, backpacks and suitcases
may incorporate some design features that make them particularly
useable by children (e.g., scaled-down handles, large zipper pulls,
etc.). However, the user is not able to see through the material
from which the bag, backpack or suitcase is made in order to
distinguish what's inside, and bags, backpacks and suitcases are
generally neither designed for, nor useful for, storing children's
items.
[0009] Plastic storage bags pose a suffocation risk and are not
suitable for use by children. Additionally, they do not incorporate
any specific design features that make them particularly useable by
children.
[0010] In addition to the lack of suitable storage solutions for
children, there are few securing mechanisms that allow children to
zip or unzip storage solutions.
[0011] The current offerings for zipper aids may be categorized as
"tools to aid in zippering" and "modified zipper pulls" (For
illustrative examples, see
http:/www.arthritissupplies.com/button-aid-zipper-pull.html,
http:/www.arthritissupplies.com/ring-zipper-pull.html, and
http:/www.arthritissupplies.com/zip-grips-zipper-rings.html).
[0012] The "tools to aid in zippering" approach is not practical,
as the child must have the tool with him or her at all times when
assistance with zippering and unzipping is required.
[0013] The "modified zipper pulls" approach consists of an "O ring"
design, or a slightly modified "O ring" design, that may be
attached to an existing zipper pull. The "O ring" design does not
aid a user who may not be able to "hook" a finger or a thumb
through the "0 ring" in order to zip or unzip a zipper.
[0014] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a storage
solution that may include a specially-designed zipper pull with
design features safely useable by children.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, together with the detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to
further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed
invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved storage and
transportation device.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an improved zipper pull.
[0018] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
[0019] The apparatus and method components have been represented
where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing
only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The storage and transportation device and zipper pull
described herein may be used separately or together.
[0021] I. Storage and Transportation Device
[0022] The storage and transportation device (which may be called
KINDER CADDY) may be designed to enable children, including
children under three years old, to store and transport items having
multiple parts or pieces, such as building blocks, that should be
kept together.
[0023] Turning to FIG. 1, shown is a storage and transportation
device 100. The sides and the top of the storage and transportation
device may be constructed of a stiff mesh fabric 105 having a tight
weave that is breathable and somewhat "see-through" (i.e., it is
not transparent, but the contents of the storage and transportation
device are largely identifiable through the mesh fabric). The edges
110 of the storage and transportation device may be made of a rigid
fabric-covered cording that allows the storage and transportation
device to maintain its box shape, even when nothing is inside.
There may be a zipper 115 across the entire length of the center of
the top of the storage and transportation device and there may be
tabs 120a, 120b sewn at both ends of the zipper mechanism. The
storage and transportation device may have two handles: one short
handle 130a sewn along the short side of the storage and
transportation device, and one long handle 130b sewn along the long
side of the storage and transportation device.
[0024] The product includes various design features to make it easy
for young children, having small hands and not fully developed
dexterity, to use and to carry. To make the product suitable for
use by children, and by children under three years old in
particular, the product may be constructed of materials that do not
pose a suffocation risk and is designed to be in compliance with
the "Small Parts Regulations" (16 C.F.R. Part 1501 and 1500.50-53).
The product may also be constructed to be durable and designed to
be wipe-able.
[0025] The standard storage and transportation device may be
approximately the size and shape of a shoe box (about
12''.times.7''.times.41/2''). It may also be offered in additional
sizes (e.g., half the size of a shoe box, double the size of a shoe
box, a larger version that would be sized to fit underneath a
standard crib/toddler bed, etc.).
[0026] The storage and transportation device is specifically
designed for use by children, including children under three years
old, to both store and transport items having multiple parts or
pieces, such as building blocks, that should be kept together.
[0027] The following features differentiate the storage and
transportation device from the current offerings available for the
storage and/or transportation of children's items:
[0028] 1. The storage and transportation device is constructed of a
mesh fabric or other breathable fabrics to eliminate the potential
for suffocation.
[0029] 2. The storage and transportation device is designed so that
its contents may be seen and identified through the fabric so that
the user does not have to open the storage and transportation
device in order to see what is inside.
[0030] 3. The storage and transportation device is deigned to be
box-shaped so that it may be stored and stacked on a flat surface,
such as a shelf or a table, or in furniture having flat surfaces,
such as a bookcase or a drawer.
[0031] 4. The storage and transportation device is designed to
stand-up on its own, maintaining its box shape even when it is not
full or when there is nothing inside.
[0032] 5. The storage and transportation device incorporates two
pull-able handles that are strategically positioned to enable
children of differing heights to easily carry it without dragging
the storage and transportation device on the ground: for taller
children, one handle is sewn along the short side of the storage
and transportation device, and for shorter children, a second
handle is sewn along the long side of the storage and
transportation device.
[0033] 6. The handles also allow children to easily pull the
storage and transportation device out from its stored position on a
shelf, in a drawer, etc.
[0034] 7. The handles on the storage and transportation device are
designed to be flush with the sides of the storage and
transportation device to allow multiple storage and transportation
devices to be seamlessly stored side-by-side.
[0035] 8. The cording on the edges of the storage and
transportation device does not incorporate any wire to eliminate
the possibility of puncture injuries.
[0036] 9. The zipper and zipper pull are nonmetallic so as not to
cause burns to the skin should the storage and transportation
device be left in a hot place such as outside in the sun or in a
car.
[0037] 10. The zipper features a pull that is of a size that is in
compliance with the "Small Parts Regulation" (16 C.F.R. Part 1501
and 1500.50-53). As will be discussed below, a zipper pull may be
specially designed to allow for easy grasping and pulling by small
hands having limited dexterity.
[0038] 11. There may be two tabs, one sewn at each end of the
zipper, to allow for easy zipping and unzipping by small hands
having limited dexterity.
[0039] 12. The storage and transportation device is constructed to
be light weight.
[0040] 13. The storage and transportation device is constructed
with materials that are durable.
[0041] 14. The storage and transportation device is constructed
with all non-toxic materials that are safe for children (e.g., no
bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or phthalates).
[0042] 15. The storage and transportation device is wipe-able--it
may be cleaned using a wet cloth or sponge with or without
soap.
[0043] 16. The storage and transportation device is designed to be
reusable, as well as repurposed.
[0044] II. Zipper Pull
[0045] The zipper pull (which may be called KINDER ZIP) is
specifically designed to enable people who have limited dexterity
in or use of their hands (e.g., due to injury or a condition such
as arthritis), as well as children having small hands and not fully
developed dexterity, to zip and unzip a zipper.
[0046] Turning to FIG. 2, shown is a zipper pull 200. The zipper
pull is an elliptical shape and may have a minor diameter measuring
approximately 11/4'' and a major diameter measuring approximately
2''. The zipper pull is "hollowed", thus having an open center 220.
The bottom end of the hollowed center of the zipper pull
incorporates a horseshoe-shaped grip 240 that is textured with
finger tread. The zipper pull may include a grooved indentation 230
around its circumference. A small hole 210 is drilled at the top of
the zipper pull to allow for the attachment of a fastener (such as
a zipper). Further, the features on the front of the zipper pull
are mirrored on the back of the zipper pull.
[0047] The zipper pull is specifically designed to aid people who
have limited dexterity in or use of their hands, including children
under three years old, in zipping and unzipping a zipper. The
following features differentiate the zipper pull from the current
zippering aid offerings available:
[0048] 1. The overall shape of the zipper pull is specifically
designed to enable users to easily find, without looking, the
appropriate finger positions for pulling the zipper pull to zip or
unzip a zipper.
[0049] 2. The elliptical shape of the zipper pull incorporates a
circumferential grooved body that provides additional textural cues
to fingers.
[0050] 3. The zipper pull features a grip that incorporates finger
tread to enable the user to easily grasp the zipper pull with a
finger and thumb, and to enable the user to maintain the grasp,
while zipping or unzipping a zipper.
[0051] 4. The zipper pull features an opening that enables the user
to "hook" a finger or thumb around the zipper pull to zip or unzip
a zipper, thus allowing a user who may not be able to use the grasp
feature due to a hand injury or condition or due to wearing gloves
or mittens, to be able to zip or unzip a zipper.
[0052] 5. The zipper pull is of a size that is in compliance with
the "Small Parts Regulation" (16 C.F.R. Part 1501 and
1500.50-53).
[0053] 6. The zipper pull is nonmetallic so as not to cause burns
to the skin should the item incorporating the zipper pull be left
in a hot place such as outside in the sun or in a car.
[0054] 7. The zipper pull is constructed from all nontoxic
materials that are safe for children (e.g., no bisphenol A (BPA),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or phthalates).
[0055] 8. The zipper pull allows for the attachment of a fastener
that permits it to be affixed to existing zipper pulls.
[0056] 9. The zipper pull is designed to be removable and
reusable.
[0057] 10. The zipper pull is constructed to be light weight with
materials that are durable and washable.
[0058] 11. The zipper pull is constructed with materials that are
washable.
[0059] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have
been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth
herein. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present teachings.
[0060] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a
critical, required, or essential features or elements.
[0061] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first
and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes",
"including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,
includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those
elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element
proceeded by "comprises . . . a", "has . . . a", "includes . . .
a", "contains . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes,
contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or
more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms
"substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any
other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term "coupled" as used
herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly
and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is
"configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way,
but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
[0062] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in various embodiments for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single
disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
* * * * *
References